Rediscovering Discipleship by Gallaty

 I loved this book because it is centered on Jesus and greatly practical in application. I often take for granted that a word like discipleship can mean many things to many people. This book defines the true meaning of biblical discipleship based on the example of Jesus. It is a very interesting and helpful read.

Being in a discipleship group myself, because of the encouragement from my pastors and reading Growing up by the author, I have experienced the fruit and blessing of discipleship groups first hand. I have been praying about facilitating our group in a better way and this book has helped answer that prayer. Every Christian would do well to read it and consider how to apply it to their life as a Christian and disciple-maker.

I highly recommend this book to others in the church. It is very important that we learn how to disciple and be discipled in order to grow in our walk with Christ which should be the main goal in our walks.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.

You can get a copy of this book from Amazon.com here.

Book Review: The Call to Joy and Pain by Fernando

I really enjoyed this book. One may think joy cannot be found in pain but this book helps work you through that process by exploring Colossians and the life of Paul and Jesus. It also walks you through contemporary examples of people walking this kind of lifestyle out. It is encouraging to be surrounded by "a great cloud of witnesses" while reading this book.

The art of walking worthy of your calling takes encouragement. This book helps you in that. It is written in such a way where you could read one selection a day and just ponder it. Each selection is like a gospel saturated devotional that is good for any person. All who read this should come away encouraged in Christ.

I came away encouraged in my walk with Christ knowing suffering is just part of it but in that suffering is growth not only for me but also those that God has placed in my life to watch. We are made to live in community and it is important to suffer together for His glory as much as it is important to celebrate victories together for His glory.

I received a copy of this book at no charge from the publisher Crossway for the purpose of an honest review.

You can get a copy of this book from Amazon.com here.

Book Review: Called for Life by Brantly

This book detailed the account of Dr. Brantly and his family during the Ebola outbreak in Liberia. It is very interesting and answers questions that the reader may have about this very international event.

What is inspiring about this book is that Dr. Brantly appeared to trust the Lord through this entire ordeal, whether it was from faithfully serving others who were ill or persevering through his own illness, his trust seemed to hold strong because he knew that it was a stronger arm that held him; the arm of God.

I like that this book helps the reader understand the conditions in Africa and the cultural challenges to treating specific illnesses. Honestly, if they had the equipment and resources we had in America, those illnesses would not spread as badly.

I came away in awe of the sovereignty of God and a desire to help others. There are a lot of whys to why do some live here or there or live or die? These questions we grapple with under His sovereignty and goodness. The important part is that those of us who are able and have access to needed aid need to stand up and use those resources to help others for His glory. Because of His love we can love others.

This is a good read and you can get a copy from Amazon here.

I received a copy of this book at no charge for the purpose of an honest review.

Book Review: Gospel Conversations: How to Care Like Christ

 This is a great book that I think all Christians would benefit in reading. We all need to know how to care for others more like Christ. This book walks you through how to do this in counseling relationships with people.

 It is an excellent and detailed overview to help lay people fulfill this role for the church. The book is set up to help you go through this as a group, which I highly recommend. It gives you soul searching questions that apply to each section that will aid you in knowing pitfalls and areas to address before counseling others. This is an important step in counseling others.

Lay people are proven to be the most successful help to those in distress with in the church body. The problem is that too many are not properly trained. This resource is a good start for that.

This book also includes helpful form examples for a more formalized counseling ministry if you desired to start that up within your church.

Loosely stated, counseling can mean many things to many people. This book takes some time to explain them all. It is beneficial to know your people and know what is best for them.

I am currently training and completing coursework in Biblical Counseling at the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. This book has reminded me of all that I am learning. It really is a needed resource for the body of Christ. I hope you check it out.

I received a copy of this book free of charge from the publisher for an honest review.

You can get a copy of this book from Amazon.com here.